President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, following a recommendation by a constitutional committee for her removal from office.
The action, announced by the Presidency on Monday, follows the conclusion of proceedings initiated by a petition filed by a private citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. The committee, set up under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, found that Justice Torkonoo had engaged in “stated misbehaviour” as provided for in Article 146(1).
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President Mahama, bound by the committee’s findings, exercised his constitutional duty under Article 146(9) to remove the Chief Justice from office.
“This decision is not political but constitutional,” explained Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and presidential spokesperson.
“The President has acted strictly in accordance with the law, as the Constitution requires once the committee submits its recommendations.”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the move reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring accountability at the highest level of public office.
Justice Torkonoo, appointed in 2023, is the first Chief Justice under the Fourth Republic to be removed through this constitutional process.